Most biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology classes have extensive prerequisite or co-requisite requirements, often including introductory chemistry, introductory biology, and organic chemistry coursework. But what is the function of these prerequisites? While it seems logical that a basic understanding of biological and…

The concurrent improvement in average grades earned by college graduates would seem to indicate better quality students, although some observers attribute that to grade inflation. From the author's perspective derived from almost four decades of teaching at one institution, students are intellectually as good as ever; however, the author sees a…

Reviews papers on problem-based learning that appear in this journal from 1993-2000. (YDS)

Calls for more manuscripts on problem-based learning in the biochemical sciences. Includes information on problem-based learning conferences. (SAH)

Many medical schools encountered problem-based learning (PBL) in occasional courses instead of adapting problem-based learning curricula. Provides information on a three-day conference entitled "PBL 2000-- Problems, Breakthroughs, and Lessons". (Author/ASK)

Presents an alternative way of developing biochemistry courses for first-year veterinary medicine students. The courses employ a problem-based learning approach that enables students to be responsible for their own learning while enabling teachers to be facilitators. (DDR)

Describes the historical and philosophical base of an approach to teaching and learning known as Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Argues that the adoption of the PBL approach should be carefully considered. Cites problems that have occurred in settings using PBL. (DDR)